News / Arran Distillers Turns 18 and The Futures Bright

10/07/2013 Arran Distillers Turns 18 and The Futures Bright

Isle of Arran Distillers has reported its best ever year in export sales, total sales and profits.

The business, which reached its 18th anniversary at the end of June, saw net profits increase by 40% and sales exceed the 3.5 million pound mark for the first time ever.

Success has been driven primarily by export sales, which have increased by 20% year on year, vastly ahead of the total whisky market which saw a just 1% growth in 2012.

Managing Director, Euan Mitchell, commented: “As we celebrate our 18th birthday the business is going from strength to strength.

“We are developing a portfolio of products to match any distillery which is reflected by the growing interest for The Arran Malt around the world.

“We are in the ideal place to benefit from the increasing global awareness and taste for premium Scotch malt whisky.”

Known for breaking the mould with unique and interesting offerings, growth was aided by a surge in demand for the premium and limited edition releases such as the Devil’s Punch Bowl, which sold out in record time when it was released last year, stock selling out in their Visitor Centre on Arran within two weeks.

Another contributing factor was the appointment of a number of new importers - notably sales in the US doubled over 2011 and Denmark also saw a sharp increase.

Set to build on this record success, the distillery is geared up for sustained future growth. Production has already reached new heights with a capacity of 400,000 LPA (litres of pure alcohol) and a new warehouse which gives the business capacity to mature 12,000 casks,

Euan continued: “We have a strong business plan and we’re performing ahead of expectations, which is a fantastic achievement when trading conditions have been so tough, especially for premium products. We’re currently exporting to over 35 countries and we hope to add a number of new export destinations this year.”

One of the leading independent distilleries in Scotland, Arran Distillers continues to win prestigious awards. Last year the distillery scored a Double Gold award for its 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch and a Gold award for its 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012.

Notable new launches in 2012 included: The Devil’s Punch Bowl, The Arran Malt Orkney Bere and a re-launch of the popular Robert Burns Single Malt. The distillery recently launched its oldest malt to date, the Arran Malt 16 Year Old, with plans to release the 18 Year Old in spring 2014.